RESIDENTS are to be given the chance to give their views on controversial plans to build houses on the site of Darlington FC's derelict former ground.

A consultation event is being planned next month where people living near the Feethams ground, in Darlington, can have a say on amended plans to build houses at the site.

The main alterations are the changes to the access of the proposed housing development.

The developers have said the plans are still a work in progress and opinions will be considered before submitting a final application.

The land is owned by Darlington Cricket Club, which intends to use the sale to pay for improvements to the cricket ground in the hope of attracting county cricket.

Feethams has been derelict since the Quakers moved to the new stadium, in Neasham Road, in 2003. Only one of the stands remains.

The plan, by Durham-based Esh Group and P&HS Architects, is for a mix of up to 160 residential family and retirement homes and apartments.

Early proposals had access to the site coming from a bridge over the Skerne at Victoria Embankment.

But that has been dropped after concerns from the Environment Agency and council planning officers about flood levels at the bridge.

Instead, the new access is proposed through the cricket ground along the river.

Brian Johnson, the chairman of the cricket club, said: "The only way through to the old football club is right through the cricket club down the side of the river.

"Ideally, we'd not have had to support this, but we've got to be realistic that we've no alternative.

"All the experts who are working with us on this are saying that there's sufficient room down the riverside to put a road in without reducing the playing area.

"It might not make the ground so attractive with the tree-line, but we've got no alternative."

Karen Humble, from the Esh Group, said: "We're working closely with Darlington Borough Council, both the highways and planning department, as you would expect.

"There will be an extended public consultation."

The consultation event is being held at Darlington Cricket Club, between 1pm and 7pm, on Monday, January 7.